Study in Canada

Education system in Canada differs from province to province. However generally minimum 12 -13 years of formal higher secondary education is required depending upon the province. Most of the Universities and Colleges have their individual criteria for admission of International students.
The admission criterion differs for undergraduate program and post graduate programs. Undergraduate programs include one year certificate courses, two to three year’s diploma courses and bachelor’s courses of three to four years. While post graduate program includes one year of post graduate certificate or diploma courses and generally two years of master’s courses including thesis/project or research work.

Under Graduate Programs:
Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs like Diploma, Advance Diploma and Bachelors:
• Students need to have good academic records.
• Higher Secondary marksheet /12th Grade marksheet with at least above 50%. In Universities percentage cut off is higher.
• IELTS overall score of 5.5-6.0/ TOEFL (iBT) 79 or above preferred.
• Study Gap of only 2 to 3 years immediately after previous qualification is acceptable.
• Work experience letter (if applicable).

Post Graduate Programs:
Admission Requirements for Post Graduate and Master’s Program:
• Students need to have good academic records.
• For admission in Master’s Program, Bachelor’s degree or in some case 3 to 4 years of Advance Diploma with minimum 50% or above, is required.
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 /TOEFL (iBT) 79 or above, preferred.
• GRE/GMAT required in some Universities.
• Work Experience letter (if applicable). For some programs prior work experience of year or two is mandatory.
• Study Gap should not be more than 2-3 years after previous qualification.
• For admission in creative or professional field, portfolio or detailed subject research is required.

The Universities and colleges have semester systems. Yearly two semesters of study are included. In some programs Co-op options are also available, where students tend to get practical experience and internship.

Intakes:

January, September and for some programs May are the major intakes.
If you are applying to Universities for Admission you need to meet the admission deadline, for September intake mostly March is the Deadline, while for January intake June to September is the deadline. The exact dates of deadline for admission varies from University to University.
Students are encouraged to apply prior to six months so that all the formalities can be completed in time.

Document Checklist:
o Academic documents – Secondary and Higher Secondary mark sheets. Bachelors, Masters mark sheet and degree certificate and any other certificates. (As per the individual case).
o IELTS score sheet/ TOEFL or English proficiency test score result.
o GRE/GMAT score sheet (if applicable).
o Two letters of recommendation.
o Work experience letter (if applicable).
o Passport bio data pages.
o Application fees (if applicable).
o Statement of Purpose is required for some Universities.
o Portfolio, thesis is required for some specific programs.

Tuition Fees:
Course Level Tuition Fees In CAD $ (Approx.)
Diploma, Advance Diploma , Post graduate Diploma /Certificate $12000 to $16000 P.A
Bachelors $ 16000 – $ 22000 P.A
Masters $ 12000 – $ 22000 P.A

Student Visa Process for Canada
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For study programs of more than six months in Canada student visa is mandatory. For successful visa application you need to demonstrate that you are enrolled in designated learning institute, have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living cost and transportation expenses, should be law abiding citizen with no adverse criminal records, you need to show that you will leave Canada at the end of study period.
Canada Study Permit Categories
There are three different categories for study permit in Canada:
1. Student Partnership Program (SPP)
Student Partner Program shortly known as SPP is one of the most popular programs for study permit in Canada for Indian Citizens. This program is specially for Indian Students aspiring to study in Canada. The program is jointly conducted by CIC Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s visa offices in India and ACCC Association of Canadian Community College, the participating colleges are listed on website. Students need to meet entry requirements of participating colleges and similarly the application requirements for successful visa.

Documents Required for SPP visa application
• Letter of Acceptance from Designated learning Institute (from participating colleges under SPP).
• IELTS Score sheet with overall band 6.0 and no less than 5.5 for undergraduate programs and score of overall 6.5 bands with no less than 6.0 for Post graduate programs.
• Higher Secondary mark sheet /12th Grade mark sheet with at least above 50% score for undergraduate programs.
• Bachelor’s degree or in some case 3 to 4 years of Advance Diploma with minimum 50% or above, is required for post graduate programs.
• Work experience letter (if Applicable).
• Tuition Fees receipt copy of payment.
• GIC- Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAD $ 10,000* (Additional bank charges applicable) for living cost.
• Upfront Medical Test through Panel Doctors.
• Photograph of 35 x 45 mm white background matte finish.
• Original Passport.
• Visa fees of CAD $ 150.

2. University
Universities in Canada offer Bachelors program, Master’s program and Doctorate programs, few universities also offer post graduate diploma program. Each University has its individual system of application with entry requirements. Requirements for GRE/GMAT/SAT and English language proficiency tests varies from University to University. While considering the applications, overall merit of the student is taken into account.
The Tuition fees for University are higher compared to Colleges and Institutes. Students are encouraged to apply as early as 6 months prior to intake. GIC is acceptable fund and even education loan from standard banks is an accepted evidence for living cost.

Documents Required for University visa application
• Letter of Acceptance from University.
• IELTS Score sheet with overall band 6.0 and no less than 5.5 for undergraduate programs and score of overall 6.5 bands with no less than 6.0 for Post graduate programs.
• Higher Secondary mark sheet/12th Grade mark sheet with at least above 50% score for undergraduate programs.
• Bachelor’s degree or in some case 3 to 4 years of Advance Diploma with minimum 50% or above, is required for post graduate programs.
• Work Experience letter (if applicable).
• Tuition Fees receipt copy of payment.
• Evidence of Funds to support living cost, Education loan from standard bank, and/ or GIC is accepted.
• Upfront Medical Test through Panel Doctors.
• Photograph of 35 x 45 mm white background matte finish.
• Original Passport.
• Visa fees of CAD $ 150.

3. General (Non SPP)
Students can apply for Non SPP visa application wherein documentation and processing will vary, for Non SPP application more detail documents are required to prove financial capabilities and income sources. The colleges and institutes participating in SPP program are also open and available for Non SPP application. Further applications which are not applicable under SPP or University application are considered for General i.e. Non SPP application.
GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is not mandatory, but acceptable. Bank savings, other investments and education loan is considered as part of Fund. The basic difference between SPP and Non SPP is the requirement of proof of Funds and Income proof. While benefits related to work permit allowed to students and post study work benefits remains the same for both the programs.

Documents required for Non SPP Visa Application
• Letter of Acceptance from College/Institute.
• IELTS Score sheet with overall band 6.0 and no less than 5.5 for undergraduate programs and score of overall 6.5 bands with no less than 6.0 for Post graduate programs.
• Higher Secondary marksheet /12th Grade mark sheet for undergraduate programs.
• Bachelor’s degree or in some case 3 to 4 years of Advance Diploma, is required for post graduate programs.
• Work Experience letter (if applicable) further pay slips of last 3 months.
• Tuition Fees receipt copy of payment.
• Evidence of Funds to support living cost can be demonstrated through Bank savings, Investments, GIC and/or Education Loan.
• Income Proof of the applicant or sponsored as per the case, Form 16 or Income tax return document are acceptable income proof.
• Upfront Medical Test through Panel Doctors.
• Photograph of 35 x 45 mm white background matte finish.
• Original Passport.
• Visa fees of CAD $ 150.
Once the required documents are ready for visa, students can directly apply to VFS Canada.

Living Cost of Canada
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CAD $ 10,000 to CAD $ 15,000 per annum. The actual living cost will vary from province to province. It also depends upon the type of accommodation and facilities availed by the student.

Processing Time for Canada Student Visa
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For student visa the general processing time is 3 weeks. The actual time may vary depending upon the volume of applications at Consulates or High Commission.

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